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Trump thanks 'God of Abraham, Isaac & Jacob' in Knesset speech | Only 4 of 28 hostage bodies expected to be released today

 
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16:00 - Trump wraps up lightning visit to Israel after Knesset speech

The presidential plane Air Force One is ready to receive U.S. President Donald Trump, who is on the way to the airport from Jerusalem, after giving a one-hour speech to the Israeli Knesset.

Trump landed in Israel just over six hours ago. He will continue to Egypt to take part in a regional summit and the signing ceremony of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

14:26 - Two members of Arab parties disturb Trump speech, are ejected from Knesset plenum

Knesset Members Ayman Odeh and Ofer Cassif, both of the Arab-Jewish far left Hadash-Ta'al party, were thrown out of the Knesset plenum for disturbing the speech of U.S. President Trump.

They had raised signs calling for the recognition of "Palestine." After their removal, Trump quipped, “That was very efficient,” before continuing his speech.


14:18 - US President Trump takes Knesset podium, thanks 'God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob' for hostage return

U.S. President Donald Trump took the podium to address the Israeli Knesset, thanking the "Almighty God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob," as well as the numerous members of his delegation for their contribution to the return of the 20 Israeli hostages earlier today.

He particularly thanked Prime Minister Netanyahu, jokingly noting that he "isn't easy" to deal with but that this makes him a great leader.

13:58 - Hostage families 'shocked' that only 4 bodies will be returned today

The Hostage Families Forum expressed its shock at receiving the information that only four of 28 hostage bodies will be released by Hamas today, after the terror group freed the 20 living hostages.

"The families of the hostages received with shock and deep dismay the news of the intention to return today only 4 bodies of fallen soldiers out of the 28 that Hamas is holding," the forum stated.

"This is a blatant violation of the agreement by Hamas. We expect the Government of Israel and the mediating parties to act immediately to correct this terrible injustice."

13:19 - Israel frees nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages

Israel has released almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of the 20 Israeli hostages, an IDF spokesman told The Times of Israel.

They include 250 convicted terrorists serving one or multiple life sentences, and 1,718 Gazans that the IDF had detained over the duration of the two-year war.

Palestinian media said that 88 of the prisoners will be released to Judea and Samaria or East Jerusalem, while the rest will be deported to the Gaza Strip or abroad.

13:08 - Netanyahu declines invitation by Trump to Egypt summit due to Jewish holiday

"Prime Minister Netanyahu was invited by U.S. President Trump to participate in a summit taking place today in Egypt," his office stated.

"The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for the invitation but stated that he would be unable to attend due to the close timing with the start of the holiday. The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to President Trump for his efforts to expand the circle of peace – peace through strength."

The Shemini Atzeret-Simchat Torah holiday begins tonight. According to Kan News, the prime minister was concerned that traveling on a Jewish holiday, which is forbidden under Jewish law, could harm his relations with the ultra-Orthodox parties and endanger his coalition.

12:29 - IDF: All living hostages are now back in Israel

"The returning hostages, Matan Zangauker, Maxim Herkin, Segev Kalfon, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Nimrod Cohen, Avinatan Or, Evyatar David, Eitan Horn, David Cunio, Ariel Cunio, Elkana Bohbot, Bar Kupershtein and Rom Braslavski, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, crossed the border into the State of Israel a short while ago," the Israeli military announced.

"They are currently on their way to the initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will reunite their families."

In addition, the returnees from the first release, Eitan Mor, Ziv Berman and Gali Berman "were flown by IAF helicopters to the hospital, accompanied by their family members. The returned hostages have undergone an initial medical assessment and are now on their way to the hospitals, where they will reunite with the rest of their family members and receive continued medical care."

12:22 - First pictures show Avinatan Or upon return to Israel

Israeli media outlets published a picture showing Avinatan Or in the first footage since he was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists over two years ago.

Unlike other hostages, no videos or photographs of him were released during this time.

12:19 - Indonesia's president set to visit Israel on Wednesday

In a surprise announcement, Israeli media reported that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to visit Israel on Wednesday.

The two countries have no formal diplomatic ties, and it would be the first visit of its kind.

12:01 - PM Netanyahu expected to join Trump for Egypt summit after phone call with President al-Sisi

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to join U.S. President Donald Trump for a summit in Sharm el-Sheik, Egypt, later today, Israeli media reported.

This reportedly followed a phone call between Netanyahu and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in the presence of Trump during a meeting in the Knesset.

The summit is intended to mark the signing of the agreement to end the war; numerous Arab and European leaders are expected to attend. However, el-Sisi did not invite Netanyahu and has avoided speaking with him over the past years.

11:51 - Israeli government confirms: All 13 hostages on the way home

"The Government of Israel embraces our hostages returning to their homeland," it said in a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office.

The returnees are Elkana Bohbot, Avinatan Or, Yosef-Haim Ohana, Evyatar David, Rom Braslavski, Segev Kalfon, Nimrod Cohen, Maxim Herkin, Eitan Horn, Matan Zangauker, Bar Kupershtein, David Cunio, and Ariel Cunio.

"Their families have been notified by the authorized officials that they have joined our forces in the Gaza Strip and will soon make their way to Israeli territory.

The Government of Israel, the security establishment, the Coordinator for Captives and Missing Persons, and the Hostage, Missing, and Returnee Directorate in the Prime Minister’s Office will accompany them and their families throughout the entire process of reception and rehabilitation.

The Government of Israel is committed to the return of all hostages held by the enemy and will pursue this mission with determination and tireless effort.

'And all the assembly of those who had returned from captivity made booths and dwelt in the booths… and there was very great joy.'
(Nehemiah, Chapter 8, Verse 17)."

11:46 - All living hostages are in the hands of Israeli troops

The Israel Defense Forces announced that the last 13 living hostages are now in the hands of Israeli soldiers, and are "currently being accompanied by IDF and ISA forces on their return to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment."

"The commanders and soldiers of the IDF salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel. The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks the public to act responsibly and with sensitivity, to respect the privacy of the returning hostages, and to rely solely on official information."

11:29 - IDF confirms 13 hostages were transferred to Red Cross, now on the way to Israeli troops

"According to information provided by the Red Cross, 13 hostages have been transferred into their custody and are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip," the IDF stated.

11:16 - Trump arrives in Knesset, says war is now 'over', vows Hamas will comply with ceasefire

U.S. President Donald Trump entered the Israeli Knesset and briefly responded to several questions by Israeli reporters.

Asked whether the war is now over, he replied, "Yes." When asked whether Hamas will comply with the terms of the ceasefire, he said, "They will comply."

Trump will now address the Israeli parliament in a speech.

11:06 - US envoy Witkoff: 'I wondered if I would ever see this day'

U.S. White House special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, celebrated the release of the Israeli hostages in a post on X: "I wondered if I would ever see this day. It’s deeply gratifying to know that so many families will finally have their loved ones home."

"Today, twenty families are spared the unbearable pain of not knowing if they will ever see their loved ones again. But even in this moment of relief and happiness, my heart aches for those whose loved ones will not return alive. Bringing their bodies home is a must and an act of dignity and honors their memory forever," he wrote.

"I can’t help but feel the presence of my son Andrew at this moment. I am profoundly grateful for the indomitable spirit of President Trump. This day would not have been possible without him."

10:47 - Hamas releases last living Israeli hostages, all transferred to Red Cross

The Red Cross has picked up 13 Israeli hostages, meaning there are no living hostages in the hands of Hamas anymore.

According to Israeli media reports, all 13 can stand on their own feet and are now being transported to an Israeli army position in the Gaza Strip.

10:45 - Former hostages Gali & Ziv Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Eitan Mor seen in first imagses

The former hostages Gali and Ziv Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Eitan Mor can be seen in the first images of them within Israeli territory.

10:36 - First images show Alon Ohel and Gali Berman after returning to Israel

Israeli media outlets published the first images showing the former hostages Alon Ohel and Gali Berman upon their return to Israel.

10:04 - Red Cross on the way to pick up more Israeli hostages

"According to information received, the Red Cross is on its way to an additional meeting point in the southern Gaza Strip, where several hostages will be handed over to the Red Cross," the IDF stated.

10:03 - Seven returnees arrive at reception point in Israel

"Personnel from the IDF Manpower Directorate and IDF medical teams are accompanying Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Omri Miran and Matan Angrest, who will undergo an initial medical evaluation, and will reunite with their families at the initial reception point in southern Israel," the military said.

"IDF representatives are accompanying all family members who are waiting at the hospital and continue to provide them with ongoing updates."

09:45 - IDF: Returnees on the way to meet their families

The Israeli military announced that the seven former hostages "crossed the border into the State of Israel a short while ago. They are currently on their way to the initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will reunite with their families."

"The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on," the military added.

The Israeli Police published a live stream of the convoy of vehicles carrying the freed hostages on their way to the Re'im base where they will be reunited with their families.

09:44 - US President Trump lands at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel

U.S. President Donald J. Trump has arrived in Israel, as the Air Force One plane has touched down at Ben Gurion Airport.

The control tower welcomed Trump, telling him his visit “carries deep meaning for our people in these times.”

“Thank you for your friendship, and for the unbreakable bond between our nations,” the tower said, “God bless America, God bless Israel, and the friendship between our peoples.”

“Thank you very much” Trump’s pilot responded.

09:37 - IDF confirms: Seven returnees have reached Israeli territory

"The returning hostages, Eitan Mor, Alon Ohel, Ziv Berman, Gali Berman, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, Omri Miran and Matan Angrest, accompanied by IDF and ISA forces, crossed the border into the State of Israel a short while ago," the Israeli military announced.

"They are currently on their way to the initial reception point in southern Israel, where they will reunite with their families. The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on."

09:21 - Prime Minister’s Office confirms: Seven returnees on the way home

"The Government of Israel embraces our hostages returning to their homeland: Ohel Alon, Angrest Matan, Berman Gali, Berman Ziv, Gilboa-Dalal Guy, Mor Eitan, Miran Omri.

Their families have been officially notified that they have rejoined our forces in the Gaza Strip and will soon make their way to Israeli territory.

The Government of Israel, the security establishment, the Coordinator for Captives and Missing Persons, and the Hostage, Missing, and Returnee Directorate in the Prime Minister’s Office will accompany them and their families through the entire process of reception and rehabilitation.

The Government of Israel remains fully committed to the return of all hostages held by the enemy and will pursue this mission with determination and relentless effort.

'And all the assembly of those who had returned from captivity made booths and dwelt in the booths… and there was very great joy.'
(Nehemiah 8:17)

'Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.'
(Shehecheyanu blessing)."

09:14 - Hostage families receive video calls from hostages still in captivity

Several families of the remaining 13 living hostages have received video calls from Hamas terrorists, showing them phones with live footage of their loved ones ahead of their expected release later today.

Among the hostages who were on the calls are Matan Zangauker, Ariel and David Cunio, and Nimrod Cohen.

09:04 - Seven hostages transferred to IDF soldiers in the Gaza Strip

The IDF confirmed that the first seven hostages reached an IDF position in the Gaza Strip and are now on the way to Israel.

"Seven returning hostages are currently being accompanied by IDF and ISA forces on their return to Israel, where they will undergo an initial medical assessment."

"The commanders and soldiers of the IDF salute and embrace the returning hostages as they make their way home to the State of Israel. The IDF Spokesperson’s Unit asks the public to act responsibly and with sensitivity, to respect the privacy of the returning hostages, and to rely solely on official information."

"The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on," the statement read.

08:47 - Seven hostages are being transported to Israeli troops in the Gaza Strip

Vehicles of the Red Cross are transporting the seven hostages from the meeting point with Hamas to an IDF position in the Gaza Strip, closer to the Israeli border.

The IDF confirmed in an official statement that the hostages "are on their way to IDF and ISA forces in the Gaza Strip. The IDF is prepared to receive additional hostages who are expected to be transferred to the Red Cross later on."

08:37 - Tens of thousands of Israelis pray, celebrate at demonstrations across the country

Tens of thousands of Israelis are gathered in squares across the country, following media coverage of the return of the hostages.

At Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, the crowd is celebrating every new announcement.

At the site of the Nova Party massacre near the Gaza border, thousands spent the night in prayer and song for the return of the hostages.

08:24 - US Ambassador Huckabee praises 'historic' moment of hostage return

"Surreal to be here as first group of hostages are released. It’s a moment like the moon landing where time freezes as we watch this historic moment," U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, wrote on 𝕏.

08:23 - Hamas confirms seven hostages freed, vows to keep ceasefire agreement

A Hamas source confirmed to Al Jazeera that the first seven hostages had been transferred to the Red Cross in the Gaza Strip.

The terror group also released an official statement, affirming it would stay committed "to the agreement and its associated timelines – as long as the occupation abides by it."

It also boasted about the fact that it managed to keep the hostages hidden from the IDF over the past two years.

The second release of living hostages will take place at 10 a.m., according to the Hamas official. 

08:13 - The names of the seven hostages that were handed to the Red Cross

Israeli media reported that Gali and Ziv Berman, Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Omri Miran, Eitan Mor and Guy Gilboa-Dalal were handed over to the Red Cross.

08:11 - First seven hostages are in the hands of Red Cross

The Red Cross has received seven Israeli hostages and has begun the operation to transport them to Israel as part of the ceasefire agreement.

07:44 - IDF spokesperson: The Red Cross is on its way to a meeting point

The Red Cross is on its way to a meeting point in the northern Gaza Strip, where a number of hostages will be handed over, the IDF stated.

07:23 - The first group of hostages will set out from the northern part of the Strip

Red Cross vehicles have reached the first rendezvous point. (KAN 11)

07:15 - An official from the Red Cross: Red Cross convoys in Gaza are moving toward the rendezvous point with the Israeli hostages (KAN 11)
Red Cross vehicles in the northern Gaza Strip, October 2025 hostage deal. Photo: Foreign networks

06:57 - Ahead of the first phase of the release: initial coordination has taken place between Hamas and the Red Cross

06:15 - Trump will receive a special decoration from President Herzog: ‘His legacy will be remembered for generations by the State of Israel

President of the State Isaac Herzog will award U.S. President Donald Trump the ‘President’s Medal,’ Israel’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his efforts to secure the return of hostages, the President’s Residence announced this morning (Monday). (KAN 11)
The special decoration for U.S. President Donald Trump. Photo: President’s Residence Spokesperson.

06:10 - The families of the hostages were asked to prepare and head to Re’im: two rounds of release are expected

The first release round is expected at 8 a.m., with another round scheduled for 9a.m. or 10 a.m. It is currently unclear how many hostages will be released in each round – but the three designated locations as of now are Khan Younis, the central camps, and Gaza City ( according to Ynet News).

06:00 - President Trump, before boarding the plane to Israel: ‘The war is over.’

Trump is expected to land at Ben-Gurion Airport around 9:20 a.m., then proceed to meetings with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Herzog, and families of hostages, and afterward deliver a speech in the Knesset (Ynet).

01:08 - Just hours before the hostages’ release, the government was asked to approve a change in the list of released ('Palestinian') prisoners

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Read more: ISRAELI HOSTAGES | GAZA WAR | DONALD TRUMP | HAMAS CAPTIVITY | HAMAS | LIVE UPDATES
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